Owners of 2020–2022 GMC Sierra pickup trucks face serious transmission issues. General Motors recently announced a major recall covering almost 462,000 diesel trucks – including all 2020–2022 Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500 models with the Duramax diesel engine.

GM's safety filing explains that a defective transmission control valve can wear out over time, causing harsh shifts and, in rare cases, causing the rear wheels to lock up. Kelley Blue Book reports GM has logged 1,888 field complaints and even “three minor injuries” tied to this problem. In short, many Sierra owners are experiencing the very transmission problems that prompted this recall.

Affected Models 

The recall explicitly includes the following GMC Sierra diesel models:

• 2020–2022 GMC Sierra 1500 (Duramax diesel)
• 2020–2022 GMC Sierra 2500 (Duramax diesel)
• 2020–2022 GMC Sierra 3500 (Duramax diesel)

By contrast, gasoline-engine Sierras use a different transmission and are not covered by this diesel recall. However, even owners of gasoline Sierra models have reported similar issues (see below).

Reported Transmission Problems

Many Sierra drivers report harsh or jerking shifts, shuddering, and sudden loss of power – classic symptoms of a failing valve body. For example, one GM-Trucks forum user described his Sierra as “shutters on low RPM shifting” with just 6,000 miles on the odometer. In an NHTSA complaint (quoted by CBS News), a Silverado 2500 (mechanically similar to a Sierra) “shuddered then immediately downshifted violently, causing the truck to skid and almost jack-knife” a heavy trailer.

These anecdotes match the recall's warnings. Drivers note that the issue often feels like riding over rumble strips when the truck shifts, or sudden jolts under acceleration. In serious cases, the defect can cause the rear wheels to lock momentarily during a downshift, creating a crash hazard.

Symptoms include: harsh, vibrating shifts; the transmission hesitating or “shuddering” under load; and occasional jerk-downshifts or loss of drive. These issues may recur even after service.

What the Recall Covers

GM's remedy is a free software update. Dealers will install new transmission-control software that monitors valve wear and limits the transmission if a fault is detected.

The software will force the truck into 5th gear if it senses the valve deteriorating, preventing a full 8th downshift lockup. All required recall repairs are free of charge.

Notification letters began mailing in late 2024; affected owners can also call GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or check the NHTSA site (Recall N242454440, number 24V797).

Key Recall Facts:

GM confirms that “every recalled vehicle uses a diesel engine”.

Kelley Blue Book explains that “GM has recalled 461,839 diesel pickups and SUVs to fix a transmission problem”, and explicitly lists the 2020–2022 Sierra 1500, 2500, and 3500 among the affected trucks.

In other words, if your Sierra is a 2020–22 model with a Duramax diesel, it is included. If your Sierra is gas-powered or outside these model years, it isn't part of the recall – but you still may have other remedies if you're seeing failures.

Legal Rights and Remedies

If your Sierra's transmission has recurrent failures, you have rights. Owners with substantial and recurring problems may be entitled to a refund or replacement under lemon law. Other owners may have claims for breach of warranty under the Magnuson-Moss Act.

In practical terms, this means that buyers who kept getting the same transmission defect repaired (or who got stuck without a working truck) can ask a court to force GM to buy back or replace the vehicle.

Even if the recall is “free,” repeated breakdowns hurt you – and a lemon-law claim can compensate you or force a full repair.

Take Action – Call for a Free Consultation

If your 2020–22 GMC Sierra has had transmission troubles and repair attempts aren't fixing it, our attorneys can help. We handle cases on a contingency-fee basis (no fee unless we recover for you). Our law firm represents consumers in New York and New Jersey dealing with Sierra transmission defects, lemon-law claims, and warranty breaches. Call us today for a free consultation.

Let us review your situation: we'll explain if you qualify for a buyback or replacement and fight to enforce your rights.

You've already invested in a premium GMC; don't let transmission problems go unanswered. Call now for your free case evaluation and get the experienced legal help you deserve.

Sources:

• NHTSA – 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Recalls
• NHTSA Safety Recall Report No. 24V797 (PDF)
• TorqueNews – My 2024 GMC Sierra's Transmission Died at 6,500 Miles
• GM-Trucks.com – Transmission Issues on 2023 Sierra
• SilveradoSierra.com – 2022 GMC Sierra Denali Transmission Discussion
• AT4Forum – Transmission “Jolts” Thread
• GMInsideNews – GM Recalls Over 461,000 Pickups and SUVs for Transmission Problem
• CBS News – GM Recall: Transmission Rear Wheel Lockup
• Car and Driver – GM Transmission Recall Details
• Reddit – GMC Sierra Recall Notice Discussion
• SilveradoSierra.com – GM Recall Transmissions Thread
• Kelley Blue Book – GM Recalls 460,000 Diesel Trucks & SUVs
• GM Authority – GMC Sierra and Yukon Recalled for Rear-Wheel Lock-Up

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